Transcutaneous power conveyance device

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device for conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject The device may include a flexible carrier, an adhesive on a first side of the carrier, a coil of electrically conductive material associated with the flexible carrier, and a mechanical connector extending from a second side of the carrier opposite the adhesive. The mechanical connector may be configured to be received by and retained by a receiver associated with a housing configured for mounting on the carrier.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for treating sleep apnea by conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject, the device comprising:
 a flexible carrier shaped to facilitate placement between a chin and a neck of the subject adjacent to an internal location of branched fibers of a hypoglossal nerve; 
 an adhesive on a first side of the flexible carrier; 
 at least one flexible coil of electrically conductive material arranged on the first side of the flexible carrier between the adhesive and the flexible carrier, the at least one flexible coil being configured for use in transmitting power to an implant located to modulate the branched fibers of the hypoglossal nerve, the at least one flexible coil having a plurality of windings; and 
 a mechanical connector extending from a second side of the carrier opposite the adhesive, wherein the mechanical connector is configured to be received by and detachably retained by a receiver located on a housing configured for mounting on the flexible carrier, 
 wherein
 the mechanical connector is further configured to maintain electrical contact between a power supply of the housing and the at least one flexible coil located on the flexible carrier to enable powering the implant, and 
 the at least one flexible coil is further configured to transmit power to an implant located to modulate terminal fibers of the hypoglossal nerve. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein electrical contact is maintained using at least one electrical connector associated with the flexible carrier. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is retained in a manner in which at least a portion of a sidewall and a top of the housing is exposed when mounted to the flexible carrier. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connector is a rod like element. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver includes an opening into which the mechanical connector extends. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connector includes a detent portion. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connector includes a bayonet connection including extending arms configured with receptor slots disposed thereon. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connector includes flexible arms. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver is disposed on a portion of a perimeter of the housing. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connector includes a plurality of extension arms, the receiver includes a plurality of recesses, and the extension arms are configured to be inserted into the recesses and to securely engage the housing when it is rotated with respect to the extension arms. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical connector is configured to break upon removal from the electronics housing. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an exposed electrical portion electrically connected to the at least one flexible coil of electrically conductive material, wherein the mechanical connector is configured to maintain contact between an electrical connector of the housing and the exposed electrical portion when received by the electronics housing. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the mechanical connector is adapted to permit relative rotation between the housing and the flexible carrier, and 
 the exposed electrical portion is adapted to maintain contact between the electrical connector of the housing and the exposed electrical portion during rotation of the housing. 
 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 13 , wherein the exposed electrical portion includes two electrodes arranged as concentric circles. 
     
     
       15. The device of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the at least one flexible coil is arranged on the second side of the flexible carrier. 
     
     
       16. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one flexible coil of electrically conductive material is elliptically shaped. 
     
     
       17. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of windings creates a pattern that spirals inwardly. 
     
     
       18. A device for treating sleep apnea by conveying power from a location external to a subject to a location within the subject, the device comprising:
 a flexible carrier shaped to facilitate placement between a chin and a neck of the subject adjacent to an internal location of branched fibers of a hypoglossal nerve; 
 an adhesive on a first side of the flexible carrier; 
 at least one flexible coil of electrically conductive material arranged on the first side of the flexible carrier between the adhesive and the flexible carrier, the at least one flexible coil being configured for use in transmitting power to an implant located to modulate the branched fibers of the hypoglossal nerve, the at least one flexible coil having a plurality of windings, wherein the at least one flexible coil is further configured for use in transmitting power to an implant located to modulate terminal fibers of the hypoglossal nerve from a location spaced apart from the terminal fibers; and 
 a mechanical connector extending from a second side of the carrier opposite the adhesive, wherein the mechanical connector is configured to be received by and retained by a receiver associated with a housing configured for mounting on the carrier.